HEAD OF INNOVATION

Job Description

OVERVIEW:

The Head of Innovation will spearhead the development of revolutionary glove products that set new industry benchmarks, with a primary focus on material innovation. Additionally, this leader will drive improvements in cost efficiency, product performance, and the introduction of new features. The ideal candidate is required to possess a proven track record of delivering innovative products that achieve significant commercial success, while also demonstrating strong leadership capabilities to manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Innovation Strategy:
   1. Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation strategy, prioritizing material innovation while also exploring opportunities for cost reduction, enhanced product performance, and the introduction of new features.
   2. Stay ahead of emerging trends and market opportunities, identify technologies and materials that can be leveraged to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
2. Team Leadership and Development:
   1. Manage, motivate, guide, coach, and mentor the innovation team to foster a strong, cohesive, and high-performing group.
   2. Build a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
   3. Develop team members' skills and career paths, ensuring they grow in their roles and contribute effectively to the company's innovation goals.
3. Material Innovation:
   1. Lead the exploration and development of new materials that offer superior performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, differentiating our gloves from competitors.
   2. Drive research into alternative materials that could reduce reliance on traditional inputs, offering new avenues for product innovation.
4. Cost, Performance, and Feature Enhancement:
   1. Identify and implement strategies to reduce production costs without compromising quality, ensuring our products remain competitive in price-sensitive markets.
   2. Lead efforts to enhance product performance and introduce new features that meet evolving customer needs.
5. Commercial Success:
   1. Ensure that innovation projects are aligned with market demands and business goals, driving not only technological advancement but also commercial viability.
   2. Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure that new products are successfully positioned and launched in the market, achieving targeted revenue and growth.
6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
   1. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, QA, marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment and successful product launches.
   2. Collaborate with external partners, such as universities, research institutions, and suppliers, to leverage external expertise and resources.
7. Project Management:
   1. Manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
   2. Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success and impact of innovation projects, including cost savings, performance improvements, feature adoption, and commercial success.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   1. Drive continuous improvement in the innovation process, identifying areas for optimization and implementing best practices across the team.